Hello darlings!
It's your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here, ready to whisk you back in time with a whirl of pink tulle and a touch of magic!
This month, my beautiful, sparkly pink shire, Magic Meg, has taken us to the 5th of May 1966! I know, right? Can you believe it? I've just returned from my latest adventure with a rucksack brimming with vintage treasures and a heart bursting with stories to tell.
The first thing you need to know about this date is that the ballet world was absolutely buzzing! In the heart of New York, the New York City Ballet was celebrating its 21st season with a grand gala performance at the City Center, featuring an evening dedicated to their founder, George Balanchine. It was the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in the atmosphere and marvel at the genius of this influential choreographer! I had a lovely time watching their rendition of “Agon,” a contemporary ballet infused with athleticism and striking geometric patterns.
But this wasn’t the only place in the world where dance was thriving!
London's Royal Opera House was captivating audiences with "The Tales of Hoffman", a Romantic ballet by Sir Frederick Ashton that combined spectacular visuals with haunting storytelling. Can you imagine the breathtaking costumes? It simply made my fashion-loving heart soar!
And over in Moscow, the Bolshoi Theatre was showcasing a masterpiece – “Spartacus,” a monumental dance work created by the great Yury Grigorovich. I imagined the breathtaking athleticism and raw power on display in this vibrant production! It really did have me twirling around in my pink tutu, eager to share this experience with everyone!
Of course, the beauty of ballet lies not just in the performances but in the dedication and passion that drives its evolution. My trusty rucksack contains a fascinating book by the renowned ballet critic, John Percival, published this very month, called "The Dance: An Informal Guide."
I even discovered a rather charming story from this date, published in The Times: a young ballet dancer, sixteen year-old Judy Walker, from Derbyshire, just like me! She was in the midst of auditioning for the Royal Ballet School! I’ve popped a little note into my rucksack about her journey, because just imagine the sheer excitement of starting out as a ballerina, yearning for the magic of the stage!
I love hearing about those first steps – that passion and commitment that burns brightly from within. Just like Judy, all my life, I’ve been enthralled by the world of ballet, whether it be those graceful ballet shows, the meticulous preparation of ballet class, or the fascinating stories woven within ballet history. The whole world is just waiting to be discovered and embraced, step by beautiful step.
Now, here’s a question for you, my fellow tutu-enthusiasts!
Do you have a favourite ballet that reminds you of the magic of May 1966? Share it with me on www.pink-tutu.com – we love hearing from all of you!
In the meantime, keep your spirits high and your steps light!
Until next month,
Love,
Emma
P.S. My fashion finds in my rucksack include the most delightful collection of pink ballet shoes and a truly unique silk tutu! Imagine: hand-beaded and crafted with intricate embroidery, a touch of whimsicality! I’ll share it all with you on www.pink-tutu.com soon, so keep an eye out.
